The R2X is a brilliant helmet with rider to rider intercom plus Alexa Constructed-in. The R2X options seamlessly built-in audio system and microphone, which permit customers to make use of the R2X’s communication options and communicate on to Alexa. Sena’s fingers free helmet-to-helmet Mesh Intercom™ communication platform makes it straightforward to speak with biking companions whereas driving.
In the event you’ve by no means heard of Sena helmets, that ought to come as no shock. They’re actually a know-how/communications firm that “realized that his know-how may bridge the hole for wi-fi rider-to-rider bike communication, which was just about inconceivable on the time. Sena set out on a brand new mission to offer an answer for motorcyclists to speak with each other safely and effectively.” And “as innovation expanded, Sena’s product choices started to cater to the biking, outside, and industrial markets. Sena has expanded upon its unique Bluetooth communication platform with a proprietary Mesh Intercom™ platform that enables much more riders to attach with the one contact of a button.”
As a helmet, the Sena R2X is lots like many different highway helmets that you’d see at your LBS. It has an aerodynamic form (however isn’t an aero helmet) with 12 consumption vents for cooling/airflow and three exhaust vents. It wouldn’t look misplaced in your native group/store experience. PEZ acquired matte white, however it additionally is available in matte black and matte grey.
The within is nicely padded (however not MIPS). The chinstrap has a pad that velcros over it that’s comfy and in addition retains the surplus strap in place #marginalgains. A dial in the back of the helmet adjusts tightness/match. In different phrases, just about like your typical highway helmet.
Aspect strap adjustment is held in place with a buckle that locks down
And like every other helmet that’s meant to guard your noggin’, it’s CPSC licensed.
One factor that’s totally different is the load. At 420 grams for a measurement medium, the Sena R2X might be ~150+ grams heavier than your typical highway race helmet (all my helmets weight lower than 300 grams). However that weight is to accommodate the electronics that set the Sena R2X other than the group.
Spot on Sena’s spec of 420g for a measurement medium helmet
NOTE: Most of that further weight is in the back of the helmet. I may definitely really feel the additional weight however not the purpose the place it was bothersome (ditto for my buddy, Seth, who helped me check the rider-to-rider communications). The burden isn’t as noticeable when simply driving. However whenever you swivel your head left or proper, you’ll be able to really feel the load extra. Thus far, my longest experience with the Sena R2X has been 40-something miles in cool-ish climate. It will likely be attention-grabbing to see the way it feels on longer and sizzling climate rides (however in all probability not a helmet for an extended, sizzling day within the mountains).
Charging port and LED taillight (stable, evening flash, and day flash) in the back of the helmet
The Sena R2X has built-in audio system and a microphone. With a Bluetooth connection, you’ll be able to connect with your cellphone to take heed to music (songs and playlists on my iPhone) and for cellphone calls. Each Seth and I discovered we may take heed to music (not audiophile high quality however nonetheless excellent), however even at decrease volumes (however loud sufficient to listen to the music) it lowered our skill to listen to ambient noise, i.e., automobiles. Not like having earbuds that absolutely isolate outdoors sounds, however sufficient of a distinction. In different phrases, please be sensible driving listening to music (and don’t crank up the amount!)
Audio system (inexperienced arrows) and microphone (pink arrow)
Not that I wish to be speaking on my cellphone whereas I’m driving, however it’s a pleasant comfort if my spouse or daughter must come up with me. The sound high quality was excellent. I may hear my spouse clearly and he or she may hear me with none wind noise whereas I used to be driving. Kudos to Sena for his or her microphone.
The Sena R2X may connect with the Alexa app in your cellphone. I attempted it simply to see the way it works, e.g., I requested Alexa concerning the climate. At house, I principally use Alexa to take heed to music and I may do the identical factor with the Sena R2X. You probably have sensible units linked to Alexa, you’ll be able to management them out of your helmet. However I don’t know that I’ve a sensible driving use for this characteristic. YMMV.
NOTE: The Sena R2X may also work with Google Assistant (what my buddy Seth has) and Siri (what I’ve) similar to every other headset linked to your cellphone by way of Bluetooth.
You management the electronics with the buttons on the left facet of the helmet
For me (and Seth), the actually cool factor concerning the Sena R2X is the mesh intercom. When activated, it’s an always-on voice connection for anybody on the identical channel (there are 9 channels to select from) — not simply one other rider, however you might additionally talk with somebody within the “staff automobile” if they’ve a suitable Sena communications gadget, e.g., Develop Mesh Communication Headset. Not like a race radio that’s push-to-talk, you simply discuss (you’ll be able to mute the mic when you’re speaking to somebody close to you and don’t need everybody else on the community to listen to the dialog — however you’ll nonetheless be capable to hear if somebody on the community talks). As with cellphone calls, the sound high quality of the mesh intercom was crystal clear.
Numerous vents
Sena says the vary between every R2X in open terrain will be as much as a half mile. Seth and I have been driving in a principally city surroundings with plenty of homes and different buildings and we estimated the point-to-point vary below these situations was extra like 1 / 4 mile. But when there have been extra riders with the R2X, that vary may theoretically be prolonged (regardless of all of the buildings) as a result of how a mesh community works is by bouncing the sign from one node to a different (the identical manner mobile phone towers work). Fairly cool, eh? So so long as every node has a transparent sign to the subsequent node, it’s best to be capable to talk with the furthest away node even when they’re out of point-to-point vary. Sena says that in open terrain the mesh community will be prolonged as much as 2 miles with a minimal of 6 customers.
Even when I’m not driving with another person with a Sena R2X, the helmet nonetheless has practical utility for me on rides the place I’ve loaded a route. With the route on Journey With GPS, I can get audio cues for instructions along with having the route on my bike laptop. It’s the voice in my head.
Discuss to me, Goose
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